Chapter 32: The Rat's True Face

After several long minutes—the Ministry had been unable to do anything else but admit defeat, and so they all went back up to the castle. Albus was only too happy to do so when he saw the ecstatic look on Hagrid's face. So the four of them were making their way back across the grounds with the sun going down—and with Macnair far behind them swearing and complaining. Albus's eyes often went to the forest… wondering what on earth he should do. 'Well,' he thought with a glance behind him at Fudge, there wasn't much he could do with the minister there with them.

He would have to wait until they left before he could find Harry and Hermione. But as the front doors opened, Albus raised his eyebrows in surprised to see Remus sprinting down the grand staircase and straight past them. Fudge and the others were too busy grumbling about Buckbeak's escape to pay much attention, but Albus watched Remus—and was concerned to see just how pale and determined his face was—as he ran past them without even looking at them.

What was going on? Albus watched his progress until he was out of sight.

A few more minutes later, Hagrid, who was still singing at the top of his voice, and weaving slightly as he walked; had appeared. This caused the committee to look even more annoyed and they left the hall, determined to find some way to salvage the situation. Albus chuckled at Hagrid and offered to have a drink with him later… though to be honest, he thought that Hagrid had enough.

As Hagrid continued into the Great Hall, something else that was strange happened. Albus heard more running footsteps and looked up in time to see Severus charging down the stairs and through the doors just as Remus had. Albus watched in astonishment to see that Severus had almost the exact same look on his face as Remus did… the only difference was that there was also a hint of triumph there as well.

"Severus?" he called after him, but if Severus heard him, he ignored him. He seemed more focused on his destination. Albus followed Hagrid into the Hall… he knew that he shouldn't worry… he knew that his two teachers were more than capable of taking care of themselves. But something about this troubled him deeply. As he shared a quick drink with Hagrid, he couldn't help but wonder what was going on…?

*A few hours later that night*

Albus felt a strange chill go throughout his body. Ever since he saw two of his teachers running off earlier, he couldn't help but feel anxious… he strolled through the darkened corridors, trying to figure out what was causing this uneasy feeling but unable to have any luck at all. First, Harry and Hermione had used the Time-Turner to go back and saved Buckbeak.

Not that he was completely against it, they did just save an innocent creature from a terrible fate… but he felt that he was missing an important part of the puzzle here. He ran his hand through his beard as he thought about it. What was going on here?

He glanced absentmindedly out a random window to see that it was unusually misty that night. That was when he saw it. The lake was shrouded with a strange mist… but through it all, he could just make out the tiny glimmers of silver. He stopped dead in his tracks as he turned his full attention to that light. What was going on out there?

And then suddenly he saw it. It was a blinding, dazzling, silver animal—so bright that he had to screw up his eyes to see anything at all. He tried to make out what it was… it looked like a horse. It had to be, it was galloping across the black surface of the lake. He gasped in horror at what he saw…

Dementors.

At least a hundred of them had emerged from the dark fog and were swarming. He saw the light of the Patronus's head lower and charge at them all… galloping around and around the black shapes on the ground, and the Dementors were falling back, scattering, retreating into the darkness…

And then suddenly… they were gone.

Completely stunned, Albus stood there—transfixed at the Patronus—unable to turn away. He watched it canter back across the lake… now that the fog had disappeared he could see that it wasn't a horse like he thought it was.

It was a handsome stag that shone with a fierce, bright light. He watched it reach the far side of the lake… it lingered for a brief second…

And then it to disappeared.

As soon as it had faded, Albus had come back to his senses. He shook his head forcefully as he immediately turned and headed straight downstairs, hundreds of possibilities running through his mind at what happened… for he had seen that same Patronus once before at the game against Ravenclaw.

But by the time that he got there, Severus was waiting there for him… along with three students and none other than Sirius Black.

*Later*

Bound and chained Sirius was 'escorted' up to the charms classroom by Severus as he quickly told him what had happened. He claimed that Black had Confunded the kids and they were convinced that he was innocent. He said that he saw them sneaking out the castle, obviously thinking that they were going to be able to catch Black single-handed.

"And do you think that it's best that you will let them escape without any punishment?" he asked dryly once he had finished explaining everything he saw. "You have let them get away with so much before now, Headmaster that they have grown so full of themselves."

"Severus, they are lucky to escape with their lives," Albus told him. But he knew that there was something that didn't make any sense here. He had seen Harry and Hermione rescue Buckbeak… and now they were attacked by Sirius Black? Why were they out on the grounds in the first place? If Severus had been knocked out, you think that Sirius would've killed them all and escaped. This didn't make any sense.

"I wish to have a quick word with Black," he answered him. "You said that he has been asking to see me since he woke up?"

Severus looked angry but nodded and disappeared with a smirk. Albus quickly spoke to Madam Pomfrey on the kid's condition.

"They'll live," she assured him gently. "Potter and Granger seemed to have fainted from their encounter with the Dementors but nothing worse than that. Weasley on the other hand is a bit of a mess… but it's nothing serious or life-threatening. No, I am sure that they can leave the Hospital Wing as early as tomorrow."

Albus sighed in relief and went up to Filius's office to have that word with Black. When he got there, he could hear Severus taunting him from inside the room.

"You know Black; I do enjoy love the fact that I'm responsible for you getting what you deserve," Severus smirked with a great deal of satisfaction.

Albus couldn't hear what Black said to that, but Severus laughed cruelly. "I can't tell you how long I've waited to see you get your long awaited punishment. The Dementor's Kiss, I can only imagine what that must be like. They say that it's supposed to be unbearable to watch but I'll do my best…"

"Severus," Albus called firmly. Severus looked at him in annoyance and disappointment. "That is enough," he told him. "You may go, Severus. I will guard Black until the Dementors come," Severus nodded and left immediately casting one more loathed glance back at Sirius. Albus sighed before looking coldly at Sirius. Even now, Albus found it hard to believe that the young boy that he used to laugh with whenever he and his best friend were brought to his office was now the same man that was tied up and looking away from him as if he was still a child caught in wrong-doing.

"Sirius," he said coldly as he shut the door and walked forward. "Sirius, look at me."

Sirius sighed before he forced himself to meet his eyes.

"I'm sorry it has to be like this," he told him, his voice was still icy though. "I have never approved of the Dementors' ways of disposing of dangerous people. It was not my decision. Had it been up to me, you would have spent the rest of your life locked away with Aurors guarding you." He stared at the prisoner for several moments. "I don't understand, Sirius," he sighed quietly. "You loved James and Lily, I remember how close you were at school and even after. What happened? Where did it all go wrong?"

For the first time since he had entered the room, Sirius broke his silence. He laughed… it was a disturbing, cold laugh that sounded more like a sob. Albus was taken aback… now what was happening?

"That student didn't. That student is still here. I am begging you, Dumbledore," he whimpered at him with pleading eyes. "Please, please listen to me before you call the Dementors in! I know that it's too late… but I once looked up to you and I'm begging that you at least hear me out. I am not a murderer." Tears had sprouted behind Sirius's eyes as he spoke fell down his dirty face. Albus felt his heart ache, but wasn't buying his story.

"It wasn't me," Sirius whispered, more to himself than anything. "I hated you, Dumbledore," he said. "Merlin, how I hated you. But not for telling the Ministry I was the Secret-Keeper, not for believing me to have killed my best friends. It was because I hated you for never coming to question me, never bothered to see if maybe you were wrong. That you never bothered to do what you just did and ask me why," Sirius spoke so softly that Albus could barely hear him. "You were the one person I could tell what happened, the one person who would know I was telling the truth. But how could I? I was never given a trial… no one ever listened to me."

Albus considered him for a moment, slightly shaken at the serenity in his voice. "Well, here I am, Sirius. Why don't you tell me just why you are not responsible for your crimes? Were you bewitched, put under the Imperius curse?"

Sirius laughed again. "Even now, you just thought of that?" he asked a little hysterically.

"Why don't you just tell me what happened?" Albus asked, though a little more softly.

"Dumbledore, please you must believe me. I was not the spy for Voldemort. It was Peter. I didn't do it…" Sirius pleaded.

Peter Pettigrew? How was that possible? "Sirius," he said to him, his anger starting to rise again. "Peter Pettigrew is dead! You killed him yourself. You cannot deny it."

"I…" Sirius' voice cracked, "I did not kill Peter. But I can't deny that I wanted to kill him. Even when I had the chance to tonight. He betrayed Lily and James. He killed those innocent muggles and he cut of his own finger before he left me there to take the blame."

Albus stared at him. Peter Pettigrew? The killer? The betrayer? "Sirius my time grows short. The Dementors will be here soon and I did not come here to hear stories. I wanted to know why you did it and nothing more."

"HAVE YOU NOT BEEN LISTENING TO ME? I'M INNOCENT!" Sirius screamed in frustration, causing him to jump up and pull out his wand.

"Please-please!" Sirius begged, staring at his wand with fear. "Please believe me, it wasn't me, it was Peter!"

"And why should I believe you, when you've been trying to get into Hogwarts all year to get Harry?" Albus demanded, his anger burning inside him at the thought of this man anywhere near Harry or any of the students.

"It was Peter!" Sirius exclaimed desperately, breathing heavily. "We switched! He was the spy! He had been the one who had been passing information to Voldemort for a year before James and Lily died!"

The only noise in the room for several long moments was Sirius's heavy breathing. "What do you mean?" Albus whispered in shock, feeling as though a Dementor had entered the room already and freezing his insides. "Sirius Black, you were the Potter's Secret-Keeper, you were there in the street explosion and you were the only one to survive it. What else is there to believe?"

"I…" Sirius couldn't seem to find the words, "At the last minute," he whispered, "We changed Secret-Keepers. We thought it was the perfect plan, I thought it was the perfect plan. I thought it would keep all of them safe," he spat in disgust. "Believe me when I say this. The night before Voldemort went to Godric's Hollow, Peter and I switched so that it was Peter who sold them out! Voldemort knew that I would have been James's first choice. We thought that he would never suspect Peter, as the worthless little worm he is. Voldemort would've been sure to have come after me! No one knew that Peter was really working for Voldemort. Had I known, I would never have suggested it. Peter betrayed them. He told Voldemort were they were. As if it didn't matter that they would die because of it. He killed them. And I wanted to kill him," Sirius said with the bitterness and loathing in his voice.

Albus was feeling sick. It couldn't be true… and yet… "Peter betrayed Harry's parents?" he asked softly, and wasn't surprised to find that he was whispering. Sirius nodded and looked up at him. When he did, Albus looked into his eyes, seeing truth. He saw the love that Sirius had for James and his family. The love he had for Harry and how he was determined to protect him… but…

"Unfortunately, it doesn't change anything," Albus said regretfully. "You were not placed in Azkaban for betraying James and Lily, you were placed there for the murder of Peter Pettigrew and twelve…"

"He's not dead," Sirius snarled in anger. "And I didn't kill anyone. That was all him. After I found out what happened to James and Lily… and Hagrid taking my godson from me… I just… I snapped."

"So you went after him and killed him and all the Muggles as well?" Albus said quickly.

"No, I went after him to kill just him. That much is true," Sirius admitted. "But little Pettigrew pulled one more over me. What you don't know Dumbledore is that we are all unregistered Animagus."

And then to Albus's amazement, he transformed. Sirius's body shuddered and immediately shifted into a large form… he became a dog… the exact same dog he saw at the Quidditch match was staring up at him with sad eyes.

Albus was stunned. "Change back," he said quickly and Sirius obliged.

"Impressive," murmured Albus when he found his voice. "So you all did this? You, Peter, James, and Remus?"

"No, not Remus," Sirius shook his head. "He was the whole reason we did it in the first place. It took us three years, but we got there in the end."

Understanding dawned on him. "You did it so that you could keep him company during the full moon," he deduced. And Sirius nodded.

"We sneaked out under the cloak, and then met up with Remus in the shack. James and I could keep him under control because we were both such big animals. He even retained some of himself when he was with us. When we got bored of the shack, we started roaming the grounds, Hogsmeade, learned more of the school than anyone." He sighed, "We comforted him at those times, all three of us."

For a moment, Albus thought that Sirius was going to cry again. But he took a shuddering gasp and went on in a strong voice. "At the last minute, I had an idea that we should switch Secret-Keepers, so as to keep the Potters even safer. My brilliant plan," he added bitterly, "Was to switch to Peter. We didn't tell anyone else, for we didn't want the wrong people finding out."

"You could have told me, Sirius," Albus said, feeling numb as the pieces came together.

"I know," Sirius replied miserably. "I know! I wish I had. Then this whole mess wouldn't have happened. But please, please believe me, Albus. I never meant for the Potters to die. I would've died before I betrayed them."

"What about Peter and the street full of Muggles?" Albus questioned, determine to get all the details.

"I meant to kill Peter," snarled Sirius angrily. "I cornered him in the street, not the other way around. The little piece of vermin got the better of me, yelling for anyone to hear that I was the one who betrayed Lily and James. Then he blew up the street with the wand behind his back, and killed those twelve Muggles."

He wiped his eyes on his filthy sleeve. "That day… he cut off his own finger and made the ally way explode killing all those poor people before he transformed into a rat and escaped down into the sewers with the other rats. And just left me there to take the blame. I lost everything that day because of him. I was in shock. I couldn't handle it. I broke down and laughed, not at anything. I just snapped," Sirius's voice trailed off and he looked at his own hands turning them over and examining every point of them as if he expected to see someone else's hands attached to his wrists. Albus turned his head to watch him with a calculating gaze.

"But you escaped," Albus asked as he slowly came out of his own shock. "How did you do it? Why?"

"Azkaban only guards humans," Sirius said bitterly. "But it doesn't guard against dogs. It was easy if you think about it. I waited for them to bring me food one night and slipped past them as a dog. I was able to get outside and just jumped into the ocean."

"You mean you swam back to the mainland?" Albus asked in astonishment as he lowered his wand and took a seat to stare at him. "Azkaban's in the middle of the North Sea! Miles from anywhere! How on earth did you survive it?"

"It almost killed me," Sirius croaked out. "Almost drowned several times… and that's not counting the shock of the ice water." He shivered as if remembering it was still painful. "But I had a reason to break out… I had a reason to live."

"If it was so easy, then why didn't you do it before? Why now?" Albus asked softly, trying to figure out what to do with this new information. He looked at Sirius's gray eyes again… and he could see the journey north in his mind. The terrible journey and the determination to get here. But why? What was so important that he risk so much? "Buy why have you been trying to break into the castle? You've broken into the school twice… why, if not to kill Harry?"

"Before I didn't have a reason to escape," Sirius said, looking a little hopeful at all the questions. "I knew that everyone hated me and thought I was a murderer and if I escaped then… well, it wouldn't have helped me win any friends. I knew that Peter was still out there somewhere. But I didn't have the slightest clue where. How are you supposed to find one rat that could be anywhere? But last summer things changed. Fudge was making his rounds and he gave me his copy of the Daily Prophet."

Sirius quickly dug into the pocket of his filthy robes and smoothed out a piece of faded paper. He gave it to Albus who gave him a perplexed look. It was the clipping of the Weasleys lasts summer…

Albus stared up at him in amazement.

"The Weasleys?" he asked. "You mean to tell me that you were really looking for Ron Weasley when you came into the tower that night? But why…?"

"Look on the shoulder of the boy… Ron," Sirius explained quickly. "It's him! I recognized it as Pettigrew at once! I can't tell you how many times I've seen him transform. I knew it was him. And if you'll notice, he's missing a toe."

"A toe. Pettigrew's finger. Good Lord," breathed Albus, at last understanding washing over him in waves.

"The paper said that the boy was going back to Hogwarts. To where I knew Harry was. I had to do something! I was the only one who knew that Peter was still alive and I couldn't let Harry be in danger. Especially when the real rat that made him an orphan in the first place was around him. That's why I did it! That's why I escaped and sought out Pettigrew! That is what I was doing when I had the knife in the boy's dormitory. I would never harm Harry. He is my godson. I love him more than my own life…"

"So you came here to save Harry?" Albus asked stunned. "Not harm him. Does he know this?" Sirius nodded.

"You understand now, Albus?" asked Sirius croakily as if he hardly dared to believe it. "You understand I would never have done what I was blamed for?"

This explained a lot… Albus had always found it difficult to believe that the same man who cared about the Potters so dearly would ever had turned against them in one night. He felt his anger disappear quickly… he breathed in deeply and asked gently, "Please tell me what happened tonight."

So Sirius launched into the tale of the confrontation at the Shrieking Shack, he talked about how he had pulled Ron into the willow and how Harry and Hermione had followed them. He explained how Remus somehow found out about them and disarmed them all. How Remus then came out and confessed truth of their past and how close they all were. How Severus came bursting in and refused to listen. He then said that it was he who attacked him.

Albus smiled slightly when he knew that it had been the trio who had attacked Severus. Sirius's memories betrayed that little fact. But he let that slide as Sirius then explained how they had forced Peter to show himself. How Peter had confessed to being the Secret-Keeper and betraying the Potters to Voldemort. He then talked about Remus transforming at the last minute, and Peter escaping. When he finished, Albus looked at him, sick with regret and sorrow.

"I did mean to kill Peter," Sirius muttered, finally looking away at him. "I'll admit that, it was my intention twelve years ago and I meant to do it tonight."

"Why didn't you?" Albus asked curiously. Sirius seemed so determined to avenge his friend's deaths… and yet he decided to bring him up to the castle instead? "What made you decide to bring him up to here instead of following through with your revenge?"

"Remus and I were going to kill him together, in the Shrieking Shack, but Harry stepped in. He said…" his voice broke, "He said James wouldn't have wanted us to become killers, just for Pettigrew."

Albus smiled faintly as he closed his eyes in understanding. "Yes, that does sound like him," Albus said. "And he is right. Harry has a good a heart as his parents."

Sirius suddenly seemed to remember something and looked up worriedly. "What about them? Is Harry and his friends, ok? I don't remember much more than Remus transforming."

"There wasn't any lasting damage to any of them that Madam Pomfrey cannot take care of in a day," he assured him and Sirius nodded in relief.

"Sirius, listen to me," Albus said, his own smile fading. "You understand there is nothing I can do now, don't you? I cannot overturn your sentence at this point and no one would believe you, three teenagers, and a werewolf."

Seeing the hope in Sirius's eyes fade was worse than anything. Albus felt as though someone had punched him in the gut and tears were forming at the corners of his eyes. But Sirius didn't look too stunned.

"I know," Sirius said heavily. "I can't say that I'm surprised. I didn't think that you could do anything about this. But that's not why I asked to see you. I needed to tell you that Pettigrew is out there, and he will most likely be seeking out Voldemort by now. He's a coward… now that he's been exposed, where else can he go crawling off to?"

"That seems likely. Sirius, I…" words failed Albus as guilt and grief overtook him. "I cannot even begin to tell you how sorry I am. I should've realized you would never betray James. But I was there when you were made the Secret-Keeper. I couldn't figure out how else it could've possible for Voldemort to have found them. And because I never thought to second guess myself… I have condemned you to the worst possible fate now. Please forgive me…"

"Do not blame yourself," Sirius said sullenly which only made Albus feel worse. "I understand. I hated you, but I understand now. Just…" he paused as if he was afraid of saying something. "I know there's nothing that can be done, Dumbledore… but please promise me something."

"Anything," Albus said. At that point, Albus was willing to have done anything to make amends.

"Promise me…" Sirius pleaded. "That you'll protect Harry. Please, don't let anything happen to my godson; he's more precious to me than anything else in this world. I know I'm not much of a godfather… hell, I'm probably the worst one to have ever lived! But please, please protect him for me."

"Sirius," Albus said softly, admiring Sirius for his dedication. "You couldn't be more wrong about that. But I do promise, I will protect Harry until my dying breath."

All the emotions Sirius had been holding back just came crashing down, and before he knew it, he had broken down into tears. Albus rose from his chair and went straight to him. He put his hands on his shoulders and offered words of comfort and apologized over and over again.

Once Sirius had calmed down, he looked up into his face again. "Thank you, Dumbledore," he croaked. "And tell Harry all about me, okay? The good stuff I mean; things that won't make him too ashamed to have me for a godfather. If he's anything like James, he'll be blaming himself for this when he finds out. Don't let him take this too hard. Just take care of him for me, will you? I only got a few minutes with him where he didn't think I was a murderer but those minutes just mean so much to me. Tell him how much I cared about him. Promise me that Harry will be happy and safe. Please, Dumbledore… can you do that for me?"

"Of course," Albus agreed instantly as his mind tried to figure out a way to get Sirius out of this… that was when his memories of what happened just a few hours ago came back to him. Buckbeak… the Time-Turner… Harry and Hermione…

His eyes widened as he realized what this was about. There was still a chance. It was risky… but it was the only chance they had.

"But don't give up hope just yet. There may yet be a chance for stop this. Of course," he added, "It would take a miracle. But I know of a couple students who are good at those."

Sirius looked at him doubtfully and Albus smiled kindly as he gripped his shoulder tightly. "I will do everything in my power to keep Harry safe though. You have my word."

"That's all I hope for," Sirius admitted shakily. "Please Dumbledore, keep him happy and safe for me. But I also have other request?"

Albus opened his mouth but Sirius was shaking his head fiercely.

"Don't say anything like that, Dumbledore, it will take more than a miracle for me to get out of this. But when the Ministry sends in the Dementors…" he gulped loudly and went on. "When they're finished with me… don't make me live like that. Don't make me carry on without my soul. It's all I've got left. When the Dementors are through with me please just… put an end to me." Sirius's voice choked up and he could not stop the wracking sobs that over took him.

Albus felt his own eyes tear up as he helped Sirius to stand up and embraced him tightly. "Sirius," he said gently. "I cannot tell you how sorry I am. Had I have known, I would have made sure to have gotten you a trial at least. But when I heard of all those things that you—rather that Peter had done… I thought for sure that…" he trailed off, unable to finish.

He waited until Sirius had stopped crying before he pulled away.

"I'm afraid I must go meet the Minister and Severus now," Sirius frowned distastefully at those two names, "And Harry and his friends, of course. I want to see how they are fairing and get their sides of the story." He turned to leave, but stopped. "Just a matter of curiosity, but by any chance, did James happen to transform into a stag?"

"Well, yes," Sirius said, surprised. "How did you know?"

"Harry's Patronus. I saw it twice," Albus explained softly. "I thought it very bizarre at the time. But I know that the Patronus I saw was indeed a stag."

"That's right," Sirius said reminiscently, "Prongs. That was us. Moony, that was Remus obviously, Pettigrew was Wormtail, I'm Padfoot… and James was Prongs," he finished quietly.

Albus walked over and clasped his shoulders. "Do not be afraid, Sirius. You have to be one of the bravest men I have ever known. Staying true to your promises even when anyone else would've given up long ago—" Albus remembered his sister's face in his mind's eye and how he had failed. "I'm not sure that I would've had the strength to go through it."

Sirius couldn't answer him.

"I really must leave now. I have a few things to arrange," Albus said softly, going over the plan in his head over and over again.

"Remember what I said. Tell Harry for me," Sirius called after him.

Albus stopped momentarily in the doorway and glanced out the window. "I think you'll be able to do that for yourself," he said calmly. He said nothing more, ignoring Sirius's puzzled expression, and closed the door behind him.

Maybe his eyes were playing tricks on him… but Albus could've sworn he had seen a familiar grey Hippogriff swooping not too far off in the distance. He knew what to do now. He knew what needed to be done. And if he hurried then he was sure that they would pull this off.

He half walked, half ran to the Hospital Wing when at that moment he heard a familiar shout, "WHAT?"

He looked up in surprise and turned the next corner to hear the conversation coming from inside the ward.

"Harry, Harry, what's this?" said Fudge's voice. "You should be in bed — has he had any chocolate?"

"Minister, listen!" Harry's voice yelled desperately. "Sirius Black's innocent! Peter Pettigrew faked his own death! We saw him tonight! You can't let the Dementors do that thing to Sirius, he's —"

That was all that Albus needed to hear.

"Harry, Harry, you're very confused, you've been through a dreadful ordeal, lie back down, now, we've got everything under control…"

"YOU HAVEN'T!" Harry yelled. "YOU'VE GOT THE WRONG MAN!"

"Minister, listen, please," Hermione's voice called just "I saw him too. It was Ron's rat, he's an Animagus, Pettigrew, I mean, and —"

"You see, Minister?" Severus's voice said both loudly and scathingly. "Confunded, both of them… Black's done a very good job on them…"

Albus shook his head in disappointment, unable to believe how far that Severus was willing to go to get revenge.

"WE'RE NOT CONFUNDED!" Harry roared just as he reached the door.

"Minister! Professor!" Poppy yelled angrily. Oh, Albus forgot about Poppy. Maybe this would be more difficult than he thought. "I must insist that you leave. Potter is my patient, and he should not be distressed!"

"I'm not distressed, I'm trying to tell them what happened!" Harry's voice said furiously and Albus couldn't stand it any longer. "If they'd just listen —"

"Now, please, Minister, these children need care. Please leave."

He opened the door and as soon as he walked in, Harry cried out. "Professor Dumbledore, Sirius Black —" he began but was interrupted immediately.

"For heaven's sake!" said Poppy hysterically, looking ready to tear someone's hair out. "Is this a hospital wing or not? Headmaster, I must insist —"

He looked at her and said as calmly as he could, but knew that they couldn't afford to wait too much longer. This had to be planned perfectly. "My apologies, Poppy, but I need a word with Mr. Potter and Miss Granger. I have just been talking to Sirius Black —"

As soon as he said Sirius's name, Severus stepped forward and looked ready for a fight. "I suppose he's told you the same fairy tale he's planted in Potter's mind?" he spat furiously. "Something about a rat, and Pettigrew being alive —"

"That, indeed, is Black's story," Albus told him as he turned his attention onto him. He could see the anger and hatred in Severus's face… the lust for revenge. Albus knew why. It was more than just getting revenge for some petty childhood grudges… for years, Severus believed that it had been Sirius who betrayed Lily to Voldemort and he had been determined to avenge her death.

Albus could understand that… but that was still no excuse for how he was acting.

"And does my evidence count for nothing?" Severus snarled at him. "Peter Pettigrew was not in the Shrieking Shack, nor did I see any sign of him on the grounds."

'Well, I'm sure that it wouldn't help that you were unconscious at the time,' Albus thought. Apparently, Hermione Granger was thinking along those lines.

"That was because you were knocked out, Professor!" she cried out quickly. "You didn't arrive in time to hear…"

Severus turned to her and almost yelled at her, "Miss Granger, HOLD YOUR TONGUE!"

Albus was flabbergasted to hear that from Severus's mouth and Fudge cried out in a startled voice, "Now, Snape, the young lady is disturbed in her mind, we must make allowances —"

"I would like to speak to Harry and Hermione alone," Albus cut him off firmly. "Cornelius, Severus," he then looked apologetically at Poppy and silently hoped that she would listen without complaint, "Poppy — please leave us."

"Headmaster!" she sputtered in resentment—looking ready for an argument. "They need treatment, they need rest —"

Albus shook his head and began to feel as though he was acting for a miracle to get even just a few minutes alone with Harry and Hermione. "This cannot wait," he said, trying to will them to leave. "I must insist."

Poppy looked angry, but to his great relief, she strode away and into her office—and slammed the door behind her. One problem down, now he had to get Cornelius and Severus to leave for even just a moment. Cornelius pulled out his large gold pocket watch to see what time it was.

"The Dementors should have arrived by now," he said as he crossed to the door and waited for Severus who refused to move from his spot as he glared at him, the two of them barely hearing Fudge say, "I'll go and meet them. Dumbledore, I'll see you upstairs."

"You surely don't believe a word of Black's story?" Severus whispered to him forcefully after a few tense seconds of silence.

Albus hated having to lie to him like this, but there wasn't any other choice. "I wish to speak to Harry and Hermione alone."

Severus took a step forward, looking ready to argue for the rest of time if that was what it took.

"Sirius Black showed he was capable of murder at the age of sixteen," he breathed, as if trying to block out everyone else. "You haven't forgotten that, Headmaster? You haven't forgotten that he once tried to kill me?"

Albus knew that Severus would use that justification but he would deal with Severus's anger later. "My memory is as good as it ever was, Severus," he told him simply. Severus continued to look angry, but thankfully he marched out of the door closely followed by Cornelius. At long last they were alone. And he finally turned to Harry and Hermione who both tried explaining what happened.

"Professor, Black's telling the truth — we saw Pettigrew — he escaped when Professor Lupin turned into a werewolf —"

"— he's a rat —"

"— Pettigrew's front paw, I mean, finger, he cut it off —"

"— Pettigrew attacked Ron, it wasn't Sirius —"

He held up his hand to silence them. He knew the story and they were running short on time as it was. He spoke quickly and quietly, "It is your turn to listen, and I beg you will not interrupt me, because there is very little time. There is not a shred of proof to support Black's story, except your word — and the word of two thirteen-year-old wizards will not convince anybody. A street full of eyewitnesses swore they saw Sirius murder Pettigrew. I myself gave evidence to the Ministry that Sirius had been the Potters' Secret-Keeper."

He felt his own heart throb at the thought of how much suffering he put Sirius through, but before he could say anything else, Harry cut him off. "Professor Lupin can tell you —"

"Professor Lupin is currently deep in the forest, unable to tell anyone anything," Albus reminded them with a glance at the window to see the full moon and had only realized just how dangerous this would be.

But he remembered seeing Harry and Hermione rescue Buckbeak and he could only hope that he wouldn't regret it. "By the time he is human again, it will be too late, Sirius will be worse than dead. I might add that werewolves are so mistrusted by most of our kind that his support will count for very little and the fact that he and Sirius are old friends —"

He knew that this new information was sure to break through to them.

"But —" Harry began but Albus cut him off again.

"Listen to me, Harry. It is too late, you understand me? You must see that Professor Snape's version of events is far more convincing than yours."

"He hates Sirius," Hermione cried out in desperation. "All because of some stupid trick Sirius played on him —"

Albus hated to be the one to tell them this, but he needed to remind them how serious the situation was. "Sirius has not acted like an innocent man. The attack on the Fat Lady — entering Gryffindor Tower with a knife — without Pettigrew, alive or dead, we have no chance of overturning Sirius's sentence."

"But you believe us," Harry began, looking at him pleadingly. And Albus replied quietly so not to draw attention to Poppy.

"Yes, I do," he assured them. "But I have no power to make other men see the truth, or to overrule the Minister of Magic…"

Harry was staring up into his face with a look that wasn't unlike the look of despair that had been on Sirius's face. As if all the hope had faded out of him. Albus wanted to comfort him, but there would be time to do that later if they could pull this off. Albus knew what he had to do. He could only hope that it would turn out for the best. "What we need," said slowly, and looked over at Hermione, trying to hint to her what it was that he wanted. "Is more time."

She looked confused for a second, "But —" before realization came over her. "OH!" she said eagerly.

Albus smiled at her, as Harry looked between them with a bewildered look on his face. "Now, pay attention," he said quickly in a low, but clear, voice—hoping that they remember it. "Sirius is locked in Professor Flitwick's office on the seventh floor. Thirteenth window from the right of the West Tower. If all goes well, you will be able to save more than one innocent life tonight."

Hermione could only nod as Harry continued to look at him as if he was speaking another language. Albus would leave the explaining to Hermione, but he also had to warn them—to let them know how dangerous this mission was. "But remember this, both of you: you must not be seen. Miss Granger, you know the law — you know what is at stake… You — must — not — be —seen."

Hermione's face was scared, but unwavering as he turned and headed to the door. He backed out of the room and said, as he pulled out his watch to check the time. "I am going to lock you in," he said little louder than before, hoping that the others would hear him. "It is — five minutes to midnight. Miss Granger, three turns should do it. Good luck."

He backed out of the room, closed the door, and took out his wand to magically lock it. That was when he heard the sound of running footsteps. He looked up, and a wide smile appeared as Harry and Hermione had just came running up to him, gasping for breath. "Well?" he asked quietly as he looked over them both, checking for any signs of injuries. Aside from the extra mud on the helms of their robes he couldn't see anything wrong. No injuries… nothing…

"We did it!" said Harry breathlessly, his eyes shining. "Sirius has gone, on Buckbeak…"

Albus couldn't help but beam at them as he listened for any sound from inside the room. "Well done. I think — Yes, I think you've gone too — get inside — I'll lock you in —"

He let them in, and locked the door behind them before he headed upstairs to wait for them to find out that their prisoner of Azkaban was gone.

*Not long later*

Albus had heard Severus yell in fury. Actually, he was sure that everyone in the castle heard Severus screaming with rage. All Albus could do was follow his fuming Potions Master, who was practically foaming at the mouth from ferocity.

Cornelius was angry as well, and he cried out furiously, "He must have Disapparated, Severus. We should have left somebody in the room with him. When this gets out —"

Albus rolled his eyes and shook his head. You would think that the Minister would've already have known that you couldn't Disapperate inside the castle.

"HE DIDN'T DISAPPARATE!" Severus roared. And Albus didn't need to even try to guess where they were all heading as Severus turned a sharp corner. "YOU CAN'T APPARATE OR DISAPPARATE INSIDE THIS CASTLE! THIS — HAS — SOMETHING — TO — DO — WITH — POTTER!"

"Severus — be reasonable — Harry has been locked up —" Cornelius tried to enlighten to him, but it was too late. Severus reached the door of the hospital wing and pulled out his wand to cause it to burst open.

BAM.

Truthfully, Albus felt the need to laugh as they all strode in, the kids looked up at them in shock but there was also a slight hint of rebellion in their faces.

"OUT WITH IT, POTTER!" Severus bellowed at the top of his lungs as he walked right over to stand in front of Harry's bed. "WHAT DID YOU DO?"

Poppy, looking startled had come forward, "Professor Snape! Control yourself!"

Fudge also tried to reason with him, but Albus knew that there was no point, "See here, Snape, be reasonable. This door's been locked, we just saw —"

"THEY HELPED HIM ESCAPE, I KNOW IT!" Severus howled, pointing a shaking finger at Harry and Hermione. As his face became twisted and spit was flying from his mouth and Albus knew that he would have to put a stop to it before Severus did anything rash.

"Calm down, man!" Cornelius barked. "You're talking nonsense!"

"YOU DON'T KNOW POTTER!" Severus bellowed back, unable to stop himself. "HE DID IT, I KNOW HE DID IT —"

Albus stepped forward and said, "That will do, Severus. Think about what you are saying. This door has been locked since I left the ward ten minutes ago. Madam Pomfrey, have these students left their beds?"

"Of course not!" she said, glaring at Severus with amazement. "I would have heard them!"

"Well, there you have it, Severus," Albus said, fighting the urge to laugh at the outraged look on his face. Albus knew that was just about to come out and tell them how their prisoner had escaped, but he will do it in such a way that they couldn't help but discard it."Unless you are suggesting that Harry and Hermione are able to be in two places at once, I'm afraid I don't see any point in troubling them further."

Severus could only stand there, seething, before he finally whirled about, robes swishing behind him, and stormed out of the ward—and Albus knew full well that he would be cursing his name from dawn to dusk for the rest of the year.

Cornelius stared after him before he whispered to him urgently, "Fellow seems quite unbalanced. I'd watch out for him if I were you, Dumbledore."

Albus didn't have the heart to hear Fudge say such things about one of his own staff members so he answered quietly—but truthfully, "Oh, he's not unbalanced. He's just suffered a severe disappointment."

Fudge twirled his hat around in his hands and said grumpily, "He's not the only one! The Daily Prophet's going to have a field day! We had Black cornered and he slipped through our fingers yet again! All it needs now is for the story of that Hippogriff's escape to get out, and I'll be a laughingstock!"

Albus could understand that. After all, he himself was fighting hard to not to laugh at what happened here tonight as well. "Well… I'd better go and notify the Ministry…"

"And the Dementors?" he demanded quietly. "They'll be removed from the school, I trust?" Even if Fudge said no, Albus was willing to do almost anything to have them removed. If things had worked out any differently, then so many innocent souls would've been lost tonight. It was another relief when Fudge nodded his head in agreement.

He ran his fingers through his thinning hair. "Oh yes, they'll have to go. Never dreamed they'd attempt to administer the Kiss on an innocent boy…" Albus felt his heart freeze at the thought as he looked over at Harry in concern… his eyes then quickly traveled to the other two in the room as he heard Fudge say, "Completely out of control… no, I'll have them packed off back to Azkaban tonight… Perhaps we should think about dragons at the school entrance…"

"Hagrid would like that," Albus said, sending a quick smile at Harry and Hermione—who were also grinning back at him.

They both talked for a few more minutes, before Albus suggested that they go up to his office so that Poppy could get back to treating her patients—and they wouldn't have to worry about her cursing them.

As the door shut and locked again behind them, Albus knew that he would be faced with Severus's fury later, but that he could deal with. At least, the worst was over… everyone was safe and that was all that mattered.

On their way back to his office, Albus once again thought about Sirius's request to protect his godson for him should the Dementors finish him off. Albus was so thankful that things had worked out for the best. And that he couldn't think of anyone better to help protect Harry than his own godfather, Sirius Black.

He couldn't believe how good it felt to admit that again.

(Oh, boy. I'm glad that this chapter was over. Hope you all enjoyed it and you weren't disappointed. Almost done with year three! I think one more chapter should be enough for that. And then we'll be moving to the Goblet of Fire year. Thank you… and hope I don't disappoint you.)